Idaho Sign Permit Information

We’ve compiled helpful information regarding Idaho sign permits for the Treasure Valley. Many business owners and organizations may not realize they need to apply for a permit before installing a new sign or replacing an old sign.

What Signage Needs a Permit?

New Signs

The addition of new illuminated or non-illuminated signs regardless of existing signage located elsewhere on the property will need a permit. These can be free-standing monument and pylon signs, or a wall sign for a building ID.

A Structural Change to a Sign

A permit is required for a structural change of an existing sign such as a monument, pylon or building ID sign.

A sign permit is not required when changing or updating of an existing sign face or graphics within a sign structure.

New Building Note

If the project is tied to a new build, the sign MAY be covered by the primary construction permit, eliminating the need for a signage permit. However, in most situations, this is not the case, so it is unlikely the primary construction permit will cover the sign permit requirement.

Boise Sign Permit

How to Apply

The City of Boise recently introduced a nice online permitting and licensing system with helpful videos and resources. You can begin the sign permitting process here.

Sign Permit Application Requirement

• Completed application form
• Scaled site plan
• Building owners affidavit
• Scaled sign illustration
• Engineering plans if needed
• Material samples if requested

How Long is the Process

It takes about 4-8 weeks for the sign permit process.

Boise Sign Code – Wall Signs

Wall Signs: Wall signs may be displayed in accordance with the standards set forth in Table 11-010.1 and the following:

• Wall signs shall not project above the wall.
• Wall signs shall face the street or streets which the building faces, except that a sign on a building wall in a commercial, office or industrial zone that does not face a street may be permitted according to the following:
  • The sign background area may be borrowed from that allowed on the building wall facing the street; and
  • The sign area may not exceed 10% of the building wall; and
  • The adjoining property is zoned commercial, office or industrial.

  Zoning District	Max Sign Area
  R (multi family & non residential) A	1 square foot per three lineal feet of building facing a street. Maximum 50 square feet of signage
  L-O, N-O, R-O, HS –	One square foot per two lineal feet of building facing street. Maximum 75 square feet.
  C-1, C-4, PC, M-4 –	15% of building wall facing the street.
  C-2, C-3, C-5, M-1, M-2, T-1, T-2 –	20% of building wall facing the street.

  Boise Sign Code – Free Standing Signs

  Free-Standing Signs (Accessory): Free-Standing accessory signs may be displayed in accordance with the standards set forth in Table 11-010.2 and the following. Free-standing signs:

  • Signs shall be located within a landscaped area no smaller than the background area of the sign. New landscaped areas shall be reviewed as part of the sign application. Decorative rock or part may be a component of the landscaping.
  • Shall include the street address in letters at least 3.5 inches tall;
  • Shall be oriented to the street providing frontage to the business and be located toward the front of the parcel and as close to the main vehicle entrance as possible. Orientation to interstate highways is prohibited;
  • Shall be set back at least five feet from the front property line in residential and office zones; one foot in other zones. Setback shall be five feet from side property lines.
  • Number Allowed: One per street frontage. Where two signs are allowed for a business on a street corner, each sign must be designed and located so as to be viewed only from the street on which it is located. In lieu of two signs, one corner sign designed to be viewed from both streets is allowed, provided it complies with other provisions of this code.
  • May have architectural appurtenances with no text extend up to 2 feet over the allowed height.

  Zoning District	Max Sign Area	Max Height	Gateway
  R-1, R-2, R-3, A-1, A-2 –	1 per 3 lineal ft. of street frontage up to 50	6 ft	6 ft
  L-O, N-O, R-O, HS, T-1 –	1 per 3 lineal ft. of street frontage up to 50	8 ft	8 ft
  C-1, C-4, C-5, M-1, M-2, T-2 –	Up to 70	15 ft	12 ft
  C-2, C-3 –	Up to 80	20 ft	12 ft

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  About Casey

  Casey is a happy marketer who loves working for a company creating custom items that make people proud. Her beau of 20 years is a public school teacher.